Kauffman’s Currents features stories and insights that underscore the essential role of education and entrepreneurship in empowering all people to shape their futures, create vibrant communities, and grow an inclusive economy.

The overall goal is that students of all ages in Kansas City are prepared for learning, work, and life after graduation, enabling them to be economically independent, contributing members of their communities.

The Kauffman Foundation Conference Center is a nationally recognized convening site located adjacent to the Foundation offices in Kansas City. This facility welcomes more than 75,000 thought leaders per year.

Entrepreneurship has become a national priority in many countries, ecosystems are here to stay, and the U.S. is falling behind. #GEC2019

Each time I go to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, I come back wishing that I could share the experience with everyone who is working to improve ecosystems for entrepreneurs in the U.S. Eleven years ago, the conference was started by Kauffman in its hometown of Kansas City, Missouri. Now, GEC is held in a different international location each year, and involves about 2,000 attendees – including entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, policymakers, and entrepreneurship champions – representing more than 170 countries and running programs that reach millions.

So often, head down in our work, we forget that we are at the center of a global network. It’s humbling, on a global stage, to be asked, “What does Kauffman think?” about a whole range of topics, including: how to support entrepreneurs, how to build ecosystems, how to measure, and how to create policies. It’s an eye-opening, invigorating experience to be there and to realize how our work provides guidance and knowledge that touches so many.

So, I want to share a few takeaways from the 2019 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Manama, Bahrain.